Northern Circuit · National Park

Arusha National Park

Mount Meru, the Momella Lakes and black-and-white colobus — close to town.

June–February; drier months give the clearest mountain views
approx. 550 km²

Arusha National Park

Type: National Park
Region: Northern Circuit
Area: approx. 550 km²
Established: 1960
Best time: June–February; drier months give the clearest mountain views
Access: Under 1 h from Arusha

Overview

A small, varied park on the doorstep of Arusha, rising from the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater to the summit of Mount Meru.

Arusha National Park is ideal for a first or last day in Tanzania. Its montane forest is home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, giraffe browse the open glades and the alkaline Momella Lakes often shimmer with flamingos. On a clear day Kilimanjaro appears on the horizon.

The park protects Mount Meru (4,566 m), Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, which can be climbed over three or four days. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are possible — a rare chance to explore on foot in the north.